Rise in country’s aged population
Nadira GUNATILLEKE
|
Minister Maithripala Sirisena receiving a copy of the book
‘Medicine in the elderly’ from its author Prof. Colvin
Gunaratne
|
Sri Lanka’s elder population has increased to four million or 18
percent of the total population during the past four decades. It is
estimated that it will increase up to five million (22 percent of the
total population) by 2031, Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena said.
Minister Sirisena said that the average life expectancy of Sri
Lankans has increased to 71 years during the past five decades.
“It is now almost the same as the life expectancy of developed
countries. Sri Lanka achieved this high standard due to the advancement
of health services and several other reasons,” he said. According to
Minister Sirisena, the government has formulated plans to ensure the
well-being of the rapidly growing elders’ population.
Minister Sirisena was speaking at the launch of the book ‘Medicine in
the elderly’ authored by Prof. Colvin Gunaratne. |
